Chapter 1089

A soul contract binds the souls; as long as one does not dissolve it, even if the other party possesses heavenly means, it cannot be undone.

Translation: "Soul Contract, it binds souls; as long as one does not dissolve it oneself, even if the other party has heavenly means, it cannot be undone."

We need to keep meaning, not add. Let's produce concise: "Soul Contract, it binds souls; as long as one does not dissolve it oneself, even if the other party has heavenly means, it cannot be undone."

Check for any omissions: the original reads, "A soul contract binds the souls; as long as one does not dissolve it, even if the other party possesses heavenly means, it cannot be undone." We have captured that.

Just like the Undying Emperor Xiao Huangji, who was merely a Divine King before, he is an Emperor, yet he likewise cannot resolve this kind of agreement.

Translation: "Just like the Undying Emperor Little Yellow Chicken, who was merely a God King before, he is an Emperor, and likewise cannot resolve this kind of agreement."

We need to keep "Undying Emperor Xiao Huangji" as a name? We'll translate its meaning? Actually it's a nickname used as a name, we should romanize it as "Xiao Huangji". But we also have the title Undying Emperor. The phrase "Undying Emperor Xiao Huangji" literally means "Undying Emperor Little Yellow Chicken". As a name, we could render it as "Undying Emperor Xiao Huangji". But we need to decide: the nickname is "Xiao Huangji", while the title "Undying Emperor" is a title. So we could translate it as "Undying Emperor Xiao Huangji". However, per the instruction: for names, use pinyin. So we should render the nickname as pinyin: "Xiao Huangji". The title we translate. Thus "Undying Emperor Xiao Huangji".

Thus line 2: "Just like the Undying Emperor Xiao Huangji, who was merely a God King before, he is an Emperor, and likewise cannot resolve this kind of agreement."

Just like the Undying Emperor Xiao Huangji, who was merely a Divine King before, he is an Emperor, yet he likewise cannot resolve this kind of agreement.

To prevent this fellow from going back on his word and suffering a backlash, the Master Continent once specially decreed that even if the other party could escape the Heavenly Dao's Book, they could not break free from the soul‑bound agreement!

Translation: "To prevent this guy from going back on his word and causing a backlash, the Master Continent had specially stipulated that even if the other party could break free from the Heavenly Dao's Book, they could not escape the soul‑bound agreement!"

We need to keep the exclamation "ah!".

Let's produce: "To prevent this guy from going back on his word and causing a backlash, the Master Continent had specially stipulated that even if the other party could break free from the Heavenly Dao's Book, they could not escape the soul‑bound agreement!"

Check: "Master Continent" translates to Master Continent; "Heavenly Dao's Book" translates to Heavenly Dao's Book; "Soul‑bound agreement" translates to soul‑bound agreement.

"A soul contract indeed cannot be split from the sea of consciousness, but I have merged a special gas capable of dissolving even the Heavenly Dao; dispelling such a contract is not difficult…… as long as there is sufficient power, bombarding the location of the contract will achieve it!"

Translation: "\"Soul Contract, it indeed cannot be split from the sea of consciousness, but I have merged a special gas that even the Heavenly Dao can dissolve, making this contract easy to undo…… As long as there is sufficient power, bombarding the location of the contract will achieve it! \"" Need to keep quotes and punctuation.

Let's produce: "\"Soul Contract, it indeed cannot be split from the sea of consciousness, but I have merged a special gas that even the Heavenly Dao can dissolve, making this contract easy to undo…… As long as there is sufficient power, bombarding the location of the contract will achieve it! \"" Ensure we keep the opening and closing quotes.

Henren said.

Translation: "Ruthless Person's Dao."

A soul contract is founded upon the Heavenly Dao; even special powers capable of dissolving the Heavenly Dao of the divine realm can undo a soul contract—if handled properly, what difficulty could there be?

Translation: "Soul Contract, it is founded on the basis of the Heavenly Dao; a special power that can even dissolve the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm can dissolve a soul contract—if handled properly, what difficulty is there?"

We need to keep meaning. Let's produce: "Soul Contract, it is founded on the basis of the Heavenly Dao; a special power that can even dissolve the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm can dissolve a soul contract—if handled properly, what difficulty is there?"

"I see..." Zhang Xuan's eyes flashed.

Translation: "\"I see……\" Zhang Xuan's eyes flashed."

"Saying all this to you also counts as thanks for bringing me to the divine realm!"

Translation: "\"Saying all this to you also counts as thanks for bringing me to the Divine Realm! \"" Keep exclamation.

After finishing the explanation, Henren said no more; his aura became ever more ancient and distant, the black hole behind him grew larger—evidently, while speaking, he had swallowed an unknown amount of power, nourishing himself.

Translation: "After finishing the explanation, the Ruthless Person said no more; his aura became ever more ancient and distant, the black hole behind him grew larger—evidently, while speaking, he had swallowed an unknown amount of power, nourishing himself."

We need to keep Henren for the nickname. So: "After finishing the explanation, Henren said no more; his aura became ever more ancient and distant, the black hole behind him grew larger—evidently, while speaking, he had swallowed an unknown amount of power, nourishing himself."

"Zhang Xuan, the more the black hole devours, the stronger his power becomes..."

Translation: "\"Zhang Xuan, the more the black hole devours, the stronger his power becomes……\""

Luo Ruoxi also sensed something was wrong and hastily sent a voice transmission.

Translation: "Luo Ruoxi also sensed something was wrong, and hastily sent a voice transmission."

"Let's get ready to fight!" With all doubts dispelled, Zhang Xuan took a deep breath, raised his sword, and declared: "If that's the case, then let's see the real skill!"

Translation: "\"Let's get ready to fight! \" With all doubts dispelled in his heart, Zhang Xuan took a deep breath, his sword in hand suddenly raised: \"If that's the case, then let's see the true skill beneath our hands! \"" Need to keep quotes.

Let's produce: "\"Let's get ready to fight! \" With all doubts dispelled in his heart, Zhang Xuan took a deep breath, his sword in hand suddenly raised: \"If that's the case, then let's see the true skill beneath our hands! \"

Boom!

Translation: "Boom—"

The most powerful sword intent was unleashed once again.

Translation: "The greatest sword intent was unleashed once again."

In life I shall return; in death I shall long for you!

Translation: "Life calls for return, death brings longing!"

Life and death are of no concern; what could possibly stand in our way?

Translation: "Life and death are of no concern; what could possibly stop us?"

Although this sword move has not reached the level of comprehension of an Emperor, it embodies all the obsessions in my heart, pushing the Heaven If Has Feeling Technique within me to its limit.

Translation: "This sword move, though not reaching the Emperor's level of comprehension, yet contains all the obsessions of the heart, pushing the Heaven If Has Feeling Technique within the body to its limit."

We need to keep "Heaven If Has Feeling Technique" as the technique name for that term, as translated earlier.

Thus: "This sword move, though not reaching the Emperor's level of comprehension, yet contains all the obsessions of the heart, pushing the Heaven If Has Feeling Technique within the body to its limit."

Whoosh!

Translation: "Whoosh!"

A single sword sliced Henren's attack in half.

Translation: "A single sword cut the Ruthless Person's attack in half."

We need to use Henren for the nickname. So: "A single sword cut Henren's attack in half."

At the same moment, Luo Ruoxi struck as well, her jade hands rolling, her sword light like snow.

Translation: "At the same moment, Luo Ruoxi also struck, her jade hand rolling, sword light like snow."

Her swordsmanship somewhat resembles that of the youth from Sword God Heaven, bearing an unstoppable momentum and the carefree ease of the natural Dao.

Translation: "Her swordsmanship somewhat resembles that of the youth from Sword God Heaven, bearing an unstoppable momentum and the natural ease of the Great Dao."

"Your moves are impressive, but compared to me, they still fall short..."

Translation: "\"Your moves are indeed formidable, but compared to me, they still fall short……\""

Henren gave a light smile and reached down again.

Translation: "Henren gave a light smile and reached down again."

In an instant, his hand blotted out the sky, covering heaven and earth; space shattered, and the sun, moon, and stars seemed as if they would be slammed down.

Translation: "In an instant, his hand blotted out the sky and covered the earth, space shattered, and the sun, moon, and stars seemed about to be slammed down by force."

Pfft! Pfft!

Translation: "Puff! Puff!"

Zhang Xuan and Luo Ruoxi were both flung backward, blood spraying wildly in midair.

Translation: "Zhang Xuan and Luo Ruoxi were both blown backward, blood spraying wildly in midair."

Despite their strength, they could not withstand it!

Translation: "With their combined strength, they could not even withstand it!"

Just what realm has this guy reached?

Translation: "Just what realm has this guy reached?"

"Impudent!" The clone strode forward, each step causing lotuses to bloom and the sound of flowing water to echo in the void.

Translation: "\"Impudent! \" The clone strode forward, each step causing lotuses to bloom, the void filled with the sound of flowing water."

From afar, it looked incredibly imposing.

Translation: "From afar, it looked incredibly imposing."

Having refined the Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, his cultivation is not the slightest bit weaker than Zhang Xuan's.

Translation: "Having refined the Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, his cultivation is not the slightest bit weaker than Zhang Xuan's."

He raised a fist, his power surging up to the nine heavens.

Translation: "He raised a fist, and his power surged up to the Nine Heavens."

Clashing with Henren, he too was flung back, unable to withstand a single move.

Translation: "Clashing with Henren, he too was blown backward, unable to withstand a single move."

Zhang Xuan covered his forehead.

Translation: "Zhang Xuan covered his forehead."

Having become an Emperor, his clone still hasn't changed its pretentious nature...

Translation: "Having become an Emperor, the clone still hasn't changed its pretentious nature……"

Such flamboyant showing off would be better replaced by concentrating power for greater might!

Translation: "Such flamboyant pretentiousness would be better replaced by concentrating power for greater effect!"

"Let's attack together; otherwise, if they die, we'll all die..."

Translation: "\"Let's attack together, otherwise if they die, we will all die……\""

Xiao Huangji let out a loud shout, crimson flames igniting, the sky seeming to catch fire.

Translation: "Xiao Huangji let out a loud shout, crimson flames blazed, and the sky seemed to be set ablaze."

The remaining six Emperors each employed their own methods.

Translation: "The remaining six Emperors also each employed their methods."

The seven Emperors united, capable of destroying heaven and earth; yet any force before them could not be resisted, but the opponent was Henren who had absorbed special power—when his attack arrived, the black hole suddenly expanded, in the blink of an eye devouring all that power, then immediately counterattacking.

Translation: "Seven Emperors united, capable of destroying heaven and erasing earth; yet any force before them could not be withstood, but the opponent was the Ruthless Person who had absorbed special power—when the attack arrived, his black hole suddenly expanded, in the blink of an eye devouring the force completely, then immediately counter‑attacking."

We need to keep Henren for the nickname. So: "... but the opponent was Henren who had absorbed special power..."

Thus: "Seven Emperors united, capable of destroying heaven and erasing earth; yet any force before them could not be withstood, but the opponent was Henren who had absorbed special power—when the attack arrived, his black hole suddenly expanded, in the blink of an eye devouring the force completely, then immediately counter‑attacking."

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

Translation: "Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The seven Emperors, like Zhang Xuan and the others, were flung backward.

Translation: "The Seven Emperors, like Zhang Xuan and the others, were blown backward."

Even the ten Emperors united could not block a single strike from the opponent!

Translation: "Ten Emperors united together, yet they could not even block a single move of the opponent!"

How could this guy be so powerful?

Translation: "How could this guy be so powerful?"

"You may die..."

Translation: "\"You can die……\""

With a single move he overwhelmed everyone; Henren stepped forward, turned his wrist, and struck down again.

Translation: "With a single move he defeated everyone; Henren stepped forward, turned his wrist, and struck down again."

"How dare you, rats!"

Translation: "\"How dare you, vermin! \""

Accompanied by a loud shout, the old man from Sword God Heaven suddenly appeared, blocking the front, his long sword transforming into a galaxy.

Translation: "With a loud shout, the old man from Sword God Heaven who had previously appeared suddenly showed up, blocking in front of him, his long sword transforming into a galaxy."

"An Emperor? Does he also possess Emperor-level strength?"

Translation: "\"An Emperor? Does he also have Emperor‑level strength? \""

Zhang Xuan's pupils contracted.

Translation: "Zhang Xuan's pupils contracted."

This old man originally followed behind that youth; I thought he was merely a follower, at most holding the title of Divine King, but when he displayed his power I discovered he was actually a formidable Emperor!

Translation: "That old man had initially followed behind the youth; I thought he was merely a retainer, at most ennobled as a God King, but when he displayed his power I discovered he was actually a powerful Emperor as well!"

If he is an Emperor, then what is that youth?

Translation: "If he is an Emperor, then what is that youth?"

"He himself is the Emperor of Sword God Heaven..." Luo Ruoxi struggled to her feet, gritting her teeth.

Translation: "\"He himself is the Emperor of Sword God Heaven……\" Luo Ruoxi gritted her teeth as she struggled to her feet."

"Then... what about the youth who taught me swordsmanship?" Zhang Xuan could no longer hold back.

Translation: "\"Then… what about the youth who taught me swordsmanship? \" Zhang Xuan could no longer hold back."

"He is..." Luo Ruoxi was about to answer when space twisted; suddenly she saw this Emperor of Sword God Heaven likewise flung backward, landing not far away, blasting a large crater.

Translation: "\"He is……\" Luo Ruoxi was about to answer when space twisted, and immediately she saw this Emperor of Sword God Heaven also blown backward, landing not far away and blasting out a large crater."

Zhang Xuan's current strength and his comprehension of the sword far surpass his; even if the old man's cultivation is not weak and his swordsmanship superb, he is still no match.

Translation: "Zhang Xuan's current strength and his understanding of the sword far surpass him, making it impossible to contend; even if his cultivation is not weak and his swordsmanship superb, he is still no match."

"Hahaha, Emperors, you're nothing but a bunch of chickens and dogs! Today I will destroy the Nine Heavens, annihilate this divine realm, and trample all rules underfoot!"

Translation: "\"Hahaha, Emperors, you're just a bunch of chickens and dogs! Today I will destroy the Nine Heavens, destroy this Divine Realm, and trample all rules underfoot! \"

Having defeated the Emperor of Sword God Heaven, Henren laughed maniacally as the surrounding space continually collapsed, making him appear like a demon or a fiend.

Translation: "Having defeated the Emperor of Sword God Heaven, Henren laughed maniacally, the surrounding space continually collapsing, making him appear like a demon or a fiend."

"What should we do?" Zhang Xuan clenched his fists.

Translation: "\"What should we do? \" Zhang Xuan clenched his fists."

Just now he and his clone both displayed their strongest combat power; even Luo Ruoxi before him also used her strongest move, yet they couldn't block even a single move from the opponent...

Could it be that no one in the divine realm can stop him?

Let him destroy the world?

"The only way…… is to make your heavenly dao deficient, return to the heavenly dao itself, and let the heavenly dao suppress him……" Luo Ruoxi clenched her fists, her eye sockets reddening.

"Return to the heavenly dao itself?" Zhang Xuan understood her meaning.

The library in my mind is itself part of the heavenly dao; once returned, the heavenly dao becomes completely whole, perhaps able to repair the loophole and expel the ruthless one.

Just like the body's immune system.

When the immune system is intact, viruses come and are easily driven away; when it fails, one cannot resist viral invasion, and even the strongest person will die.

But……

"He is too strong; even if the heavenly dao is restored, it may still be unable to suppress him!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

Viruses can be killed by the immune system, but…… what about a tiger?

What can even the strongest immune system do?

This person before us is merely an ordinary god king; even if he has a title, the heavenly dao can easily kill him, yet he is stronger than an emperor…… he is no longer something the heavenly dao can contend with.

"This……" Luo Ruoxi paused, a look of loss appearing on her pure jade-like face: "Yes…… we cannot suppress him, but if the heavenly dao is whole, he can awaken and slaying him will not be difficult!"

"He?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

"I will take you to see him, in the Carefree Heaven……" Taking a deep breath, Luo Ruoxi gritted her teeth and turned, flying forward.

"Want to escape?" The ruthless one snorted coldly and pressed down.

Bang!

Luo Ruoxi fell from the air.

"You……" Zhang Xuan unleashed his sword technique again, sword intent shining forth.

Ding ding ding!

Blocked again by the ruthless one.

"You hurry and leave, I will hold him off……"

Knowing they still wanted to save the divine realm rather than flee, the clone and the Undying Emperor Sovereign shouted loudly and stood in front, while Luo Qiqi also transformed, returning to the true form of the Tranquil Void Pearl.

The surrounding space solidified.

"Go!"

Seeing everyone throw themselves forward without fear of death, Zhang Xuan's eye sockets reddened, but he also knew now was not the time for many words; he grabbed Luo Ruoxi, his body flickered, he tore through space, and in the next moment they appeared within the realm of Carefree Heaven.

Carefree Heaven now lacks its former carefreeness; the divine realm has collapsed, everywhere is chaos.

"Where is the one you spoke of?"

Having no time to observe ordinary people's lives, Zhang Xuan looked at the girl in his arms.

If the person she spoke of can truly save the divine realm, what does my sacrifice matter!

"He is my father; the blood in your locket is his; the Undying Emperor was once his beast companion……" Luo Ruoxi adjusted her breath and explained.

"Father?"

Zhang Xuan suddenly understood.

No wonder I always felt the blood in the locket resembled Luo Ruoxi yet was different; it turns out it is her father's.

This also explains why the Undying Emperor's lingering thought, upon seeing the locket, immediately recognized me as its master.

"Is your father also an emperor? Or does he possess strength surpassing an emperor?"

I couldn't help but ask.

The library in turmoil is due to the blood in the locket awakening me; could it be that not only is she an emperor, but her father is as well, and even stronger?

If that is the case, why would he fall into a coma?

And why would he need a deficient heavenly dao to awaken?

"He is not an emperor, but…… the heavenly dao!"

Luo Ruoxi clenched her fists.

"Heavenly dao? Your father…… is the heavenly dao?" Zhang Xuan shuddered, unable to believe.

"Yes! Fifty years ago, father could not withstand that great hand, fell into a coma, the heavenly dao shattered into three parts, the orderly heavenly dao and the deficient heavenly dao entered the spatial turbulence, I took charge of the natural heavenly dao to maintain the divine realm's balance. To revive him, we must gather the scattered parts…… therefore I am so resolute, cannot fail! I specially entered the Master Teacher Continent, studied the Spring and Autumn Grand Canon, seeking a way to defeat Master Kong! When fighting Master Kong, I also entrusted him with this matter."

Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan suddenly understood.

Having just met the Master Teacher Continent not long ago, the girl before me had already told me her story, wanting to save a close relative; I did not understand then, but now I suddenly comprehend.

It turns out it is her father, and moreover the heavenly dao of the divine realm!

Can the heavenly dao truly take human form and bear children?

"Acting as the steward of the natural heavenly dao…… do you have no heavenly dao fragments in your body?" Suddenly realizing something off in her words, Zhang Xuan looked over.

Acting as a steward, and my kind of fusion within the body, are two different concepts.

"I am only stewarding, not part of the heavenly dao……" Luo Ruoxi said.

Zhang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief.

In that case, I only need to separate the deficient heavenly dao from within myself; I do not need her to die as well.

Although this fate is hard to accept, I also do not wish to see the girl before me harmed.

"If I separate the deficient heavenly dao within me, your father can revive, even slay the ruthless one, right?" Zhang Xuan looked at her.

"This…… I am not certain……"

Raising her head to gaze at the already collapsed divine realm, Luo Ruoxi hesitated.

The divine realm is her father's foundation; now it is like this; even if he awakens, can he truly defeat that powerful ruthless one?

Really hard to say!

Looks like you can't be sure either. In that case, seeking help from others is not as good as relying on oneself... We can only figure it out ourselves!" Zhang Xuan gritted his teeth: "You, me, and my avatar, joining the Nine Heavens Nine Emperors, if we also coordinate with Kong Shi, we might still be able to win!"

'Kong Shi? He…' Luo Ruoxi frowned.

'Kong Shi is dead, right? He didn't truly die; if my guess is correct, he was slain by you, merely a method to break free from the Heavenly Dao… No surprise, he should be like Wei Changfeng, an 【Innate Fetal Soul Body】!'

Zhang Xuan said.

Seeing Wei Changfeng, it became clear that Kong Shi's so-called maintaining spiritual awareness should be the same as his—an Innate Fetal Soul Body.

One can remain undeluded in the womb.

Adding the contingency prepared in advance, resurrection is merely a matter of time.

Luo Ruoxi froze, seemingly not expecting this to be the case.

'Just go and see, and you'll know; my guess is correct—he should have already recovered, otherwise his disciples couldn't possibly have not gone to the Tidal Sea…' Zhang Xuan said.

Kong Shi's disciples, Zi Yuan Gu Sheng and the others, are all formidable; even without the Emperor's help, they would certainly have a way to enter the Tidal Sea, yet not a single one was seen.

There must be something more important awaiting them, intending to act while all the Emperors are preoccupied with the Tidal Sea and have no time to attend to other matters!

And this important matter is obviously to let Kong Shi recover.

'This…' Luo Ruoxi's heart jolted, and she suddenly understood.

'Let's go!'

Without further explanation, with a single hand gesture Zhang Xuan returned to Kong Shi's dwelling, and indeed saw an old man sitting cross-legged, hovering in midair; seeing them arrive, he gave a faint smile: 'You've come!'

Not Kong Shi, then who is it!

This teacher of myriad ages has indeed not disappointed me!

Just as guessed, taking advantage of everyone focusing their attention on the Tidal Sea, he revived again.

'You…' Luo Ruoxi's delicate body trembled.

She knew Emperors could be resurrected, the Undying Emperor had also come back to life, but… she didn't expect the speed to be this fast!

'I concealed myself from the Heavenly Dao, prepared a contingency in advance—the nameless giant in the Nether Spirit Pool was my doing; you slew him that day, and I seized the opportunity to free myself from the Heavenly Dao's bonds, recondense my physical body, and have only just now recovered.'

Kong Shi gave a faint smile.

He is versed in temporal abilities; while it seemed only a day or two had passed in the Divine Realm, in truth, to regain his strength he had undergone an unknown amount of time.

He has had several decades of time.

'Our three strengths are considerable, but wanting to surpass the Ruthless One is not that easy…'

Seeing Kong Shi truly recovered, Luo Ruoxi still shook her head.

It's not to boost others' prestige or dampen our own morale; it's simply the fact.

Just now, so many people united couldn't block the opponent; even adding another Kong Shi, what could it change?

Likewise, it cannot change the situation!

'Even our individual strength, or even when combined, is truly no match for the opponent, but… what if we merge everyone's power into a single person?'

Kong Shi smiled and looked over.

'Merge into one person?'

This time not only Luo Ruoxi frowned, but Zhang Xuan was also full of doubt.

'That palm capable of tearing apart the Divine Realm and scattering the Heavenly Dao—its strength is undeniable; the Ruthless One has absorbed all that power and also devoured fifty years of spiritual energy from the Divine Realm; relying solely on strength, even if we each take out our power, over a dozen Emperors are certainly no match for him…'

Kong Shi said: 'But if we unite and concentrate the power into one person… perhaps it might not be so.'

'How to concentrate?'

Luo Ruoxi looked over.

Easy to say, hard to do.

The Emperors already stand at the pinnacle of the Divine Realm; if absorbing others' power were that easy, she wouldn't have stagnated for so many years.

'Quite simple… we will gather our power onto Zhang Xuan; once he can break through the Emperor's shackles, he can save the Divine Realm!'

Kong Shi said.

'Me?' Zhang Xuan startled: 'Why me?'

'The Lingxi Emperor cultivates freedom and ease, transcending nature! But with his father's and the Heavenly Dao's restrictions, and with people he cares about, he can never truly transcend! If I'm not mistaken, when we fought before, you also once gave up, intending to let me slay you.'

Kong Shi said.

Luo Ruoxi could not find words.

During the battle, indeed there had been such an intention, so their exchanges at the start each kept a reserve, akin to sparring, not a life-and-death fight.

'Unable to transcend, one naturally cannot unleash one's greatest strength; even with abundant true qi, one cannot strike that supreme realm! As for me…'

Kong Shi nodded and said: 'Caring for all beings, wishing to save the world, yet unwilling to let others sacrifice for me—such excessive benevolence is also a flaw! If he were a bit more ruthless, exterminating the alien spirit tribe, we wouldn't be in this situation…'

Had we been able to exterminate the alien spirit tribe entirely back then, the Ruthless One could not have revived, nor would we be in this predicament.

'So I am not suitable either! Zhang Xuan, his cultivation method suits his heart, has no flaws; he emphasizes living true to himself, and even if he dies, as long as he lives without guilt, his mind is open and untroubled. Such a person possesses greater inclusivity and greater room for development—only then can he go higher and farther.'

Kong Shi continued.

In life, one ought to return; in death, one ought to yearn.

If even death is of no concern, how could one be bound by other matters?

'This…' Zhang Xuan frowned, about to speak, when he saw Kong Shi's piercing gaze: 'No need to decline—first say there's not enough time to train others; even if there were, I doubt anyone could do better than you! Though the Lingxi Emperor's body lacks Heavenly Dao fragments, he has long commanded the Heavenly Dao and has his own understanding of it; I govern the orderly Heavenly Dao. If we pour our power into you, your body will possess the complete power of the Heavenly Dao! Combined with your avatar's Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, we can fully stabilize the Nine Heavens, grasp the Yin and Yang, battle the Nine Firmaments, and annihilate myriad things.'

'Alright!'

Seeing that the other party had already made a decision, further explanation would be useless, so Zhang Xuan nodded.

Boom—

Sitting cross-legged, in the blink of an eye two mighty surges of power poured in from both sides.

Zhang Xuan's body stiffened, his whole person seemingly instantaneously embodying the Heavenly Dao, soaring above the Nine Heavens.

Soul, flesh, and true qi were instantly baptized, growing ever stronger and ever more mighty.

……

"You also want to stop me? Fine, I'll kill you all, then go and slay Zhang Xuan…"

He sent Luo Qiqi and the clones flying, Hen Ren gave a cold smile.

The power unleashed by the clones and the many Emperors united was indeed strong, but compared to him, it was still somewhat weaker.

The Tide Sea drained the spiritual energy outside the city of the Divine Realm, almost completely devouring it; now this power has become his nourishment, every move bringing the power to destroy heaven and earth. These Emperors and God Kings, though they represent the pinnacle of the Divine Realm, are still no match.

At this moment, Hen Ren seemed to represent the entire Divine Realm, and no one could stop him.

"If the Divine Realm perishes, our lives have no meaning; I, Yun Chi, will perish with you…"

Yun Chi the Great Emperor transformed into his true form, a huge five-clawed golden dragon, and lunged at him from the air.

"Just you? You're not worthy!"

Hen Ren clenched his palm, and the golden dragon hung in his grasp, unable to escape no matter how it struggled.

"Old friend, wait for me!"

Fu Meng the Emperor also let out a great roar, transforming into his true form, a White Tiger, and appeared before him.

The Immortal Emperor, the Immortal Fire Phoenix's true form manifested, flames illuminating the sky.

Xuan Ming the Great Emperor, whose true form is a giant turtle, as if holding up the heavens.

The Four Divine Beasts, guardians of the four extremes of the Divine Realm, simultaneously transformed into their true forms, and the collapsing Divine Realm slowed down.

Heaven and Earth seemed to freeze in an instant.

Bang bang bang bang!

After four consecutive palms, Hen Ren subdued the four beasts, a fierce killing intent flashing in his eyes: "Since you seek death, I will grant it…"

In the midst of the roar, as he was about to strike down and wipe everyone out, he felt his raised arm tighten, stopping in midair.

"You want to kill them, but have you asked me…"

Immediately, amidst everyone's shocked gazes, a figure slowly walked out from the air.

It was Zhang Xuan!

At this moment, the youth's power surged throughout his body, more than ten times stronger than before, coming from the heavens, as if his very being was a world.

"You've made considerable progress…"

Hen Ren halted, his gaze solemn.

He clearly didn't understand why, in just a few short minutes, the opponent's strength had undergone such a huge change.

"But what does it matter if you've increased? Even at its peak, the Divine Realm couldn't withstand me; I don't believe you can block me…"

With a cold snort, Hen Ren struck down again.

Zhang Xuan raised his sword and went to meet him.

The two clashed, space tearing apart in streaks, air currents running wild everywhere.

"Can Zhang Xuan win?"

At the Free Heaven Kongshi Station, Luo Ruoxi looked over, full of worry.

She and Kong Shi transferred their power to Zhang Xuan; her own cultivation had dropped to only the God King level, not as glorious as before.

But the level is set; as long as the power is sufficient, one day it can be restored.

"With your current strength, wanting to surpass him is very difficult! Unless… he can comprehend power beyond the Emperor!"

After a moment of silence, Kong Shi said.

Even a dozen Emperors united could not defeat Hen Ren, even if they transferred all their power to him, wanting to overcome him was still not easy.

The reason we do this is because… only by concentrating power in one person can one possibly touch the pinnacle, truly surpass limits, and break through oneself!

"Power beyond the Emperor?"

Luo Ruoxi's gaze was distant.

When her father was still lucid, he had once told her the same thing, but… she could not do it; could her beloved man do it?

"He definitely can… he has an unyielding heart! And an arrogance toward this world!"

Seeing her doubt, Kong Shi laughed and said.

……

Bang bang bang bang!

After several consecutive blows, Zhang Xuan's tiger's mouth split open, and a huge wound appeared on his chest, gruesome and terrifying.

As Kong Shi said, even if their combined power formed a complete Heavenly Dao within, he was still no match.

"Hah, I thought you were formidable, but that's all!" Hen Ren gave a cold smile.

"Anyway, you're not my opponent; sooner or later I'll be killed. If so, I want to die under your strongest attack." Taking a deep breath, Zhang Xuan halted his advance and instead gazed at Hen Ren before him.

"Fine, I'll grant you that, give you my strongest attack…"

Hearing that, Hen Ren froze for a moment, then let out a cold snort and raised his palm.

Crash!

A cyan light appeared in his palm, then came crashing down.

Sure enough, it was the strongest attack; the entire Divine Realm rumbled, as if it could barely withstand it, and was struck again with a huge crater.

His eyes tightly closed, Zhang Xuan did not dodge.

Boom!

His skull exploded, his soul scattering in all directions.

"Zhang Xuan…" Seeing this, everyone's faces turned pale.

Luo Qiqi went mad.

Yun Chi Great Emperor and the others also widened their eyes, trembling nonstop.

Seeing this scene, Kong Shi and Luo Ruoxi were all stunned.

The original intention was for him to break through his constraints and assault a realm beyond the Emperor Sovereign; why didn't he resist, but willingly go to his death?

In that case, wouldn't that be wasting their good intentions?

"No, it is the immortality method of the Undying Emperor Sovereign..."

While they were puzzled, Kong Shi suddenly spoke.

Everyone then saw Zhang Xuan's head explode, even his soul shatter; the pendant on his chest suddenly burst open, a drop of blood floated up, ignited, forming a ball of scorching flame; within the flame, an unharmed figure slowly stepped out.

"He... used the opponent's power and the blood in the pendant to separate the flaw in the Heavenly Dao from the soul?"

Luo Ruoxi's pupils contracted.

After being reborn from the fire, Zhang Xuan actually had no Heavenly Dao Library inside him, no interference from the Heavenly Dao, and had severed ties with the Heavenly Dao!

"How did he do that?"

Kong Shi was also full of disbelief.

The Heavenly Dao and the soul were fused together, indistinguishable; to break free, he had to have his soul fly apart and scatter, then rely on the Netherworld Pool to recondense his soul.

This person before them, after being slashed just once, completely broke free; what method did he use?

"I understand... he used the method of the Ruthless Person to break the soul contract..." Luo Ruoxi realized.

The soul contract binds Master and servant; if the Master does not lift it, the servant remains forever bound... the Heavenly Dao Library is the same, it can be said to be an enhanced version of the contract.

Once the soul is bound, even immortality will not free it.

But... the Ruthless Person used that special power to break free of the soul contract; the specific method, Zhang Xuan had inquired about in detail before, likely he had already been thinking about it then.

That is why he deliberately fought to the death, letting it unleash its strongest power against him.

Relying on this power, he was reborn from the fire; unexpectedly, it turned out to be a great success!

"So that's it, this is the method to break through the Emperor Sovereign..."

Zhang Xuan walking out of the flames showed a faint smile, as if he understood something; he suddenly waved his hand, and a clone on the side instantly turned back into a lotus flower, flying over.

In an instant, it perfectly merged with himself.

In the blink of an eye, everyone felt that Zhang Xuan before them had become the Nine Heavens; the Nine Heavens were him.

He lightly tapped the ground with his foot.

The chaotic Nine Heavens immediately stabilized.

The Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus appeared when the Nine Heavens were born, capable of stabilizing the Nine Heavens; at this moment, the clone and self perfectly merged, indistinguishable, which meant he had mastered this power.

Moreover, with the cultivation fused from the Nine Heavens Chaos Golden Lotus, he had already reached the peak realm; now signs of loosening appeared, as if he could break through at any moment.

"Master-servant affection, brotherly affection, teacher-student affection, parent-child affection, romantic love... when fused together, they are actually all things in the world; this is what it means to be human!"

Smiling, Zhang Xuan muttered to himself.

At the moment the Heavenly Dao Library severed from the soul, he came to understand.

Is it that people see the world and thus the world exists, or that the world existed first and then people came into being?

Is it the wind moving, or the heart moving!

This question has troubled countless people since ancient times.

Of course, now... these are no longer important!

Without life, without emotion, even if the world exists, what meaning does it have?

Therefore, after breaking through love, it is the affection of all beings! It is the emotions interwoven throughout the world.

All things in the world possess emotion; with emotion comes the world; with emotion, life can continue.

Love, is emotion.

Hatred, is emotion.

Joy, is emotion.

Pain, is emotion.

Separation, is emotion.

Reunion, is also emotion!

"Myriad feelings, for my use..."

With a low cry, the sealed realm within Zhang Xuan's body instantly broke open.

The Emperor Sovereign's shackles, broken through!

In an instant, it felt as if touching a brand-new world and Da Men; the soul received rapid nourishment.

Countless chaotic qi surged in, and the physical body also rose rapidly.

Before, only by absorbing spiritual power could one progress; but now, spatial turbulence and chaotic qi, even the opponent's azure light, can be made mine, without distinction.

"You..." the Ruthless Person didn't expect that his full-force attack would not only fail to slay him, but actually fulfill him; enraged, he shouted "wah-wah!" and, with a furious roar, attacked again.

"You resent the lofty Emperor Sovereign, not being saved in the spatial turbulence—that's emotion; feeling that you were once my servant, containing humility and anger—that's emotion; wanting to destroy the divine realm to vent anger—that's emotion; wanting to become even stronger—also emotion... emotions control you, how could you possibly overcome me and not be controlled by me?"

Smiling faintly, Zhang Xuan's voice grew faster and louder, his palm lightly grasping.

The originally invincible Ruthless Person was bound together by countless threads of emotion, his hands and feet tied, unable to move.

As long as there is emotion, it will be used by him, controlled by him!

"You..."

The Ruthless Person's eyes filled with panic: "Master Zhang, I am your servant, don't kill me... I am willing to offer my soul as a sacrifice..."

"Saying these now is already too late..." Zhang Xuan gave a slight smile and shook his head.

Mastering the emotions of the world, things like servants are already meaningless to him.

Having killed so many god-level beings, hurt his girlfriend Luo Qiqi and so many friends, today, how could he possibly forgive!

"No..."

Feeling his decisiveness, the Ruthless One's pupils contracted; before his words ended, he immediately felt a sharp pain throughout his body.

Bang!

In an instant, the explosion burst forth, turning into countless spiritual energy that surged toward every corner of the Divine Realm.

All the power previously devoured by the Tidal Sea now returned in full, revitalizing the once-barren wilderness.

"This..."

"You killed him just like that?"

Yun Chi Great Emperor, the Undying Sovereign, the Exquisite Immortal Maiden, and the others all widened their eyes, unable to believe it.

Just moments ago they had crossed blows with the Ruthless One, knowing how terrifying he was; yet such a powerful person was wiped out with a casual gesture—how far has this Zhang Xuan... actually reached?

Could there truly be a higher realm above the Emperor level?

"He succeeded..."

Kong Shi and Luo Ruoxi loosened their clenched fists.

"This is part of the Heavenly Dao, so I will now return it to the Heavenly Dao..."

Seeing the "Heavenly Dao's Defect" that had been separated from his own body still hovering in the air, Zhang Xuan gave a light smile and flicked his finger.

Hum!

The library that had accompanied him since his rebirth suddenly embedded itself in the sky of the Divine Realm.

With a resonant toll like a great bell, the continually collapsing Divine Realm slowly recovered visibly, and the chaotic currents also gathered together again.

The collapsing Divine Realm finally halted, and the withered spiritual energy, along with the Ruthless One's death, slowly revived.

"It seems the Divine Realm is about to usher in an era of spiritual energy renewal..." Zhang Xuan smiled.

The breach in the Tidal Sea, accompanied by the completion of the Heavenly Dao, has already been restored; the Divine Realm's return to its former glory is merely a matter of time.

"Zhang Xuan, come here..."

Having just finished these, a voice sounded in his mind; Zhang Xuan startled slightly and took a step forward.

That step carried him an unknown distance, and he immediately saw a youth standing before him.

He was precisely the one who had previously imparted his sword technique to him.

"Senior, you..."

Seeing that it was him, Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

He had always felt this person was unfathomable; now he realized that compared to himself, the difference was only a hair's breadth—he had already reached the pinnacle of Emperor level, far surpassing Luo Ruoxi as before.

"Just call me by my name; I am Nie Tong!" the youth said lightly, an unstoppable sword intent emanating from him.

"Nie Tong?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

It was the first time he had heard that name.

"Come with me; I'll take you to see my brother!" the youth called Nie Tong chuckled and stepped forward.

Zhang Xuan followed closely behind, not knowing how far they had flown, until they stopped before a mountain peak.

Immediately, he saw another youth.

His appearance was not much older, with raised eyebrows that gave an inscrutable, profound impression.

"This strength..." Zhang Xuan trembled.

The youth's strength before him was actually greater than his own, having likewise broken through the Emperor's shackles, and his cultivation was even deeper and more substantial!

"I am Nie Yun!" the youth said with a light smile, looking over: "That is... Nie Lingxi, the father of Luo Ruoxi you spoke of!"

"Luo Ruoxi's father?"

Zhang Xuan shuddered: "You... are the Heavenly Dao of the Divine Realm?"

Luo Ruoxi had said before that her father was the Heavenly Dao; he never imagined it would be such a young person.

"I transformed one breath into the Three Pure Ones; a part of my soul became the Heavenly Dao! Moreover, this world is my creation—calling me the Heavenly Dao is perfectly justified!" Nie Yun said with a light smile.

Zhang Xuan could not believe it.

The Divine Realm was actually created by this person before him?

Just how strong must his power be?

"Wrong, if the Divine Realm is your creation and you are the Heavenly Dao, why do you let the Ruthless One run rampant without intervening?" Zhang Xuan looked over.

If it weren't for my own breakthrough, the Divine Realm would likely have collapsed completely; why does this person before him remain indifferent?

Even the life and death of his daughter—does he care?

Without answering his question, Nie Yun glanced over lightly: "Do you think... there exists an even more powerful life above the Divine Realm?"

"This..." Zhang Xuan paused: "I suppose there should be."

Although he had never seen it, since he could cultivate to this level, perhaps others could as well—and perhaps even stronger.

Just like the youth before him.

"I once suspected that a mightier life existed above the Divine Realm, so I exerted all my power to peer into it, ultimately drawing a backlash from a higher world... a palm broke through the void and descended!"

Nie Yun looked over: "At that time, if I had dodged, the entire Divine Realm would likely have been obliterated, leaving not a single life... so I blocked the strike, but consequently, my incarnate Heavenly Dao was split apart."

"In this situation, I merely wish to restore it with a single thought, but... I understand that to truly transcend the Divine Realm's shackles, to explore where that palm came from and what lies beyond the Divine Realm... it is difficult for me alone. So I want to see if there is any life capable of breaking through the Emperor's shackles and reaching a level equal to mine."

"So I sent the scattered thoughts of the Heavenly Dao down to the lowest world... granting them respectively to the souls originally belonging to this world and to a soul not of this world. And you, you have not disappointed me!"

Nie Yun said with a smile.

"A soul not of this world, then—does that mean my transmigration is also because of you?" Zhang Xuan's heart shook.

No wonder he could transmigrate over; he never expected it was all due to this person before him.

"Hehe!" Nie Yun chuckled lightly, saying: "Being native to this world, one naturally holds reverence for it; wanting to break its shackles is far harder. I, too, merely had a passing thought, never expecting you to truly succeed..."

"I..." Zhang Xuan's face flushed: "If not for Master Kong, I could never have reached this level..."

Without Master Kong's selfless dedication, achieving the present realm would be utterly impossible.

I gave him the opportunity; he just didn't seize it. The duel with Lingxi was actually his best chance to break through, but unfortunately he chose to retreat, thinking he had a backup plan and could withdraw unscathed—in fact he lost his brave and diligent spirit. When facing someone surpassing us, if he lacks even this spirit, how could he possibly stand against them?

Nie Yun said.

Zhang Xuan remained silent.

At that time, he saw their battle clearly; Kong Shi indeed lacked decisiveness.

Perhaps he simply didn't want to kill Luo Ruoxi.

Unfortunately, in that moment, he missed the chance to advance.

"If Kong Shi wins, Luo Ruoxi will die..." After a moment, Zhang Xuan looked over, his brows furrowed.

Could it be that this person before us doesn't care about his daughter's life or death?

"With me here, she won't die..." Nie Yun smiled faintly: "Your current strength is not much different from mine; do you think, with both of our strengths, at a life-or-death moment, wanting to save someone, can you do it?"

"This..." Zhang Xuan gave a bitter smile.

Breaking through to Emperor Sovereign, and being an Emperor Sovereign, are two concepts; if he truly wishes to act, he can indeed save the person at the critical moment, and guarantee that not a single injury will be sustained.

"Lingxi is the child born from my other wife Luo Qingcheng, so her assumed surname is Luo... In order to make her believe, not letting emotions interfere, up to now she has still thought I am still in a coma..."

Nie Yun gave a wry laugh: "This father of mine has also been quite ruthless... Well, let this matter be explained by you to her; after all, her thoughts have now turned to you; I, this old father, probably can't even remember... Haha, I'll temporarily not appear, avoid for a period of time before speaking again; otherwise, I truly fear she will cause an uproar..."

Seeing this unreliable father before him, Zhang Xuan's cheek twitched, and he could only agree: "Alright..."

There's no choice but to agree; who let me abduct someone's daughter...

"The Heavenly Dao Library is a manifestation of my thought; it is both foundation and shackle. If you can rely on your own ability to break through the shackle, it shows your ability and potential; your future prospects are limitless. My daughter can be with you, as a father, I also find it comforting."

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